Pre-Production - Stephen's Character Profile

Stephen - Character Profile

Age                                                                  Late 50’s

In a past life, Stephen was a loyal friend of David who would stick by him no matter what. A former firefighter, Stephen lost all respect for David when he was sentenced for murder and arson. Despite David’s many troubles, it was Stephen that was considered the loud one of the pair, often telling crude jokes and making rude remarks, something that hasn’t much changed growing up.

Years of service as a firefighter has taken its toll on Stephen who as a result found himself with advanced lung cancer, a terminal illness that will inevitably end his life. Seeing David come out of prison as this entirely new person, taking up Christianity, learning a new trade and seriously turning his life around for the better has left Stephen feeling cheated and is the one who has ultimately suffered the most.

Since being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, Stephen has seriously neglected his lifestyle. Once a fit and active man, Stephen is now thin, pale and rarely leaves the house for anything, cutting off everyone important in his life despite desperately needing company.

Because of this he does not drink often, though he did have a history of drinking in the past. Being home all day means that Stephen is often seen wearing pyjamas, a dressing gown and slippers. When he does leave the house, he wears layers upon layers of clothes to keep himself warm.

Lung cancer has left Stephen emotionally weak and has given him a very closed personality. He recognises that he needs the company, however frequently repels any company he does receive. Stephen has no real goals and the only thing he desires is to be healthy again and to lead a normal life like he had before, but seeing as that will never happen, he has no motivation in life and lives in constant fear of impending death. Folded arms and sharp stares are common characteristics.

Stephens self contained attitude changes drastically changes when in the company of David and he becomes very expressive. A judgemental and selfish character, Stephens decision making is emotionally driven rather than logical driven and often acts on impulsive.

Stephen views himself as a lonely dying man, cheated by life. Others see him in a similar light, taking pity upon Stephen.